British police arrest former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson in probe into Epstein ties

Euronews · Feb 23, 2026 · Collected from RSS

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By Andreas Rogal & Euronews with AP Published on 23/02/2026 - 19:09 GMT+1 Former British ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, has been arrested by British police on Monday in a misconduct in public office probe, following revelations over his ties with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office," London's Metropolitan police said in a statement, without naming Mandelson. However, police had previously searched several properties linked to the former ambassador, Labour cabinet minister and European commissioner, and broadcast footage appeared to show him being driven away. He has been taken to a police station for questioning. Earlier this month, police opened an investigation into Mandelson after the latest release of the Epstein files by the US Department of Justice. In the latest batch, fresh details emerged about Mandelson's relationship with the disgraced financier and convicted child sex offender who died in prison in an apparent suicide in 2019. The files include emails suggesting Mandelson shared market-sensitive government information with Epstein in 2009 while serving as business secretary during the global financial crisis under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Investigation into leaking 'sensitive government information' UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer appointed Mandelson to Britain's most important diplomatic post in December 2024 despite knowing he had maintained contact with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. The British PM fired Mandelson in September 2025 when earlier revelations about the relationship emerged. Earlier this month, Starmer apologised to Epstein's victims, saying "I am sorry. Sorry for what was done to you, sorry that so many people with power failed you, sorry for having believed Mandelson's lies and appointing him." Police are now investigating Mandelson over claims he passed sensitive government information to Epstein a decade and a half ago. He does not face any allegations of sexual misconduct. Mandelson's arrest comes just days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested in a separate but similar case, also related to his friendship with Epstein. The former prince was arrested over alleged misconduct linked to Jeffrey Epstein ties while he served as UK trade envoy. He was released after 11 hours in custody while the police investigation continues.